Director Lee Daniels said he is “deeply” hurt when people say he doesn’t support African-American women, especially because of the intense connection he felt with them while growing up black and gay.

When Daniels stopped by the HuffPost Live studio to discuss his new film “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” host Marc Lamont Hill asked about criticism surrounding recent remarks Daniel made about researching his movie “Precious.”

During an interview on “Larry King Now,” Daniels described visiting a health crisis center for gay men to learn about AIDS. He said that when he arrived, he saw “black women with kids — I thought I had walked into the welfare office.” The comment was part of a larger point that because gay black men are pressured to stay in the closet, many black women contract AIDS from men who are on the “down-low.”

Daniels told HuffPost Live that the criticism of his remarks hurts because African-American women were a lifeline for him during a difficult childhood.

“I wish I were straight because I love women so much. I love black women. They are the reason that I’m here today, because I rarely was accepted by any African American man growing up, inclusive of my dad,” he said.

Comment Disclaimer: Comments that contain profane or derogatory language, video links or exceed 200 words will require approval by a moderator before appearing in the comment section. XOXO-MN

I_am_a_Gladiator/Scandalista

Had nooooo idea he was gay.

Mary Ann

That is fine and dandy you “love black women” . The real question is would you “date and marry a black woman”? I am sorry black men has a tendency to talk out of both sides of their mouths.

scandalous7

uh , thats nice

Kaci

Yeah right, he got his wish to take it up where the sun doesn’t shine by another man, STFU!

Rita

He just want to save face, after the welfare comment he made about black women.

jonesie

Oh please. Anyway, for black women who want to remain HIV free here are some tips:

Stop having sex with black American men.
Stop having unprotected sex.
Limit your number of partners.

Guest

racist

I_am_a_Gladiator/Scandalista

And your tips for black men would be………

Beejcee

He knows black women have good long memories; he is just trying to secure his future; we heard/know what you said AND what you are trying to do Mr. Daniels.

get real

Stop the presses, stop the damn presses. You mean to tell me that this dude is gay????

SY

Hahaha yes he is!!!! If you ever get a chance to catch him being interviewed watch his mannerisms, he is gay & proud (nothing wrong w/that)… I bumped into him recently (about 2 months ago) in NYC & he is very personable, very friendly.

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